Traveling Tennessee: Bell Buckle

A charming country get away is waiting for anyone with the desire in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. A visit to this historically preserved railroad village in middle Tennessee is as close to a trip back in time as you can get without visiting the Amish.

Established in 1852, this quaint country town is full of refurbished Victorian homes and colloquial, old churches. The main street is filled with ice cream parlors, antique stores, craft shops and the kind of thrift stores that harbor treasures you will never believe. It isn't unheard of to find a vintage Good Housekeeping magazine from the 1920's or Matchbox car you haven't seen since third grade. That is what makes shopping here so unique. You won't find a Wal-mart or a Target but you will find some amazingly intricate handmade quilts and crafts mixed in with antiques and unique collectables.

Once started, it feels as though the shopping could go on forever. But even with so much to see and enjoy the hungries will eventually hit. The Bell Buckle Café is infamous for its menu and entertainment. Throughout the week you can enjoy hot plate lunches, dinner plates, burgers and salads. On the weekend add the delicious home cooked menu as well as musical acts each evening. Coffez By Us is a local coffee shop. It has a very small town sidewalk café atmosphere but with all modern conveniences like free WiFi. They serve coffees and a variety of sweets and grain muffins.

Not only is this town brimming with historical significance but it is also important culturally and edification of the area. Bell Buckle is home to the prestigious Webb College Prep School. Founded in 1870, Webb is the oldest private boarding school in the south. The campus makes for a lovely afternoon drive. It is laden with trees of many variety and student art. The buildings are historic landmarks and furnish the stately air throughout the campus.

Besides the uniquely Bell Buckle shops, the Bell Buckle Café and Webb School there are also a series of events that draw crowds from al over the country to this tiny town. Daffodil Day is held each year in March and the whole town gathers to celebrate the dainty flower with art showings, music, parades and more. May plays host to Motorcycle Day where riders travel from afar to partake in games, contests and rides. The biggest draw of the year is the RC and Moon Pie Festival every June. The Worlds Largest Moon Pie is cut along with music, dancing, singing and a parade.

If your staying overnight in Bell Buckle you'll be staying at the Cumberland House Bed and Breakfast. It is only two blocks from the shopping and dining district and the rooms overlook the private pool. If their all booked up you can go 8 miles to neighboring Beechgrove to the Red Rooster Bed and Breakfast or 25 miles into Manchester for a wider choice of motels.

Vacation here if you need a little peace and quiet time. The simplicity of the entire area slows life down and all the little comforts and joys once again become apparent. Some visitors decide to stay forever. Others make sure to come again and again. It is one of Tennessee's most visited cities. There's a reason for that!